Formosan Termite Prevention

Avoid water accumulation near your home's foundation. Divert
water away with properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash
blocks. Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with proper ventilation.
Never bury wood scraps or waste lumber in the yard. Most
importantly, eliminate wood contact with the soil. Maintain a
one-inch gap between the soil and wood portions of the
building.

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Formosan termite control begins with eliminating sources of
moisture both inside and outside of the home. Inside, homeowners
should reduce humidity in crawl spaces, attics and basements with
proper ventilation. Outdoors, divert water away from the home's
foundation to prevent Formosan termite access with properly
functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Homeowners
should also store firewood at least 20 feet away from the home and
maintain a one-inch gap between soil and wood portions of the
home.

Habits

Formosans build intricate mud nests in the ground. They can chew
through wood, flooring and even wallpaper. In fact, the average
size of a Formosan termite colony can consume one foot of 2X4 wood
in 25 days.

Habitat

Formosan termites live in huge underground colonies with an
average of 350,000 workers. In addition to structures, they also
infest trees, shrubs, utility poles, timber, railroad trusses and
even boats.

Threats

Because of their aggressive nature, Formosan termites are
difficult to control once they infest a structure. A mature
Formosan termite colony can cause severe structural damage to a
home in as little as six months. Prevention is key with this
termite species. If dealing with an existing infestation, talk to a
pest professional about a Formosan termite treatment.